Neighbourhood guides: Why Punggol is known as the Jewel of the East

Punggol might be known as the neighbourhood where Build to Order flat prices are cheaper, because it’s classified a non-mature estate. But don’t be quick to judge it for being ulu too soon. The URA’s vision for Punggol is for it to  become an eco-green estate and a Waterfront Town of the 21st Century with plenty of great developments already built, with more on the way. In the meantime, here are just a few of the awesome places to check out when you’re out and about Punggol!

• Put on your best plaid shirt and boots and ride a horse at Punggol Ranch
• Rent a bike and explore Coney Island with your #squad
• Practice your sniping skills with a game of Laser Tag
• Try the psychedelic paddlepop cheesecake and rainbow cheesecake at this cafe
• Admire the view and tuck into some legit brunch food at this riverside cafe
• Try the famous Sembawang White Beehoon which has fans raving

Put on your best plaid shirt and boots and ride a horse at Punggol Ranch

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Are you one of those people who’s always complaining that there’s nothing to do in Singapore? Well, here’s an interesting activity to add to your list – horse-riding! Punggol Ranch, which bills itself as Singapore’s ‘very own cowboy town’, boasts 4 stable buildings housing over 60 horses and ponies. Take your pick from beginner to advanced lessons, mounted guided trail rides, and even pony and horse feeding sessions.

Rent a bike and explore Coney Island with your #squad

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Nope, not the one in New York – we’re talking about the Coney Island located along Punggol Promenade Nature Walk! This ecologically sustainable park contains one of the most scenic cycling routes in Singapore – so bring along your bike, and make a day out of it as you explore the area with your squad. Keep an eye out for all the exotic bird species, the Haw Par Villa and the extremely picturesque lalang fields!

Practice your sniping skills with a game of Laser Tag

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Are you ready to do battle? Grab your closest group of friends and family and try this super fun combat simulation game. You’ll be shooting members on the opposing team, navigating obstacles, and also working your way towards achieving your team mission whilst engaging in a little healthy competition. Like they say – all’s fair in love and war!

Wow Experience organizes laser tag games (they term it ‘mobile skirmish’) at Punggol Ranch and other locations. Contact them for more information!

Try the psychedelic paddlepop cheesecake and rainbow cheesecake at this cafe

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Cravings Cafe – aptly named! – opens till 1am everyday, so you know where to go if you’re hit with a sudden urge for dessert. While their  specialties include the psychedelic Rainbow cheesecake and Paddlepop cheesecake, they also offer a Dessert Platter which comes with a trio of bite-sized cakes and brownies you can sample for just $9.90.  

Admire the view and tuck into some legit brunch food at this riverside cafe

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Fancy some riverside dining? Check out Whisk & Paddle, which offers a sweeping, unobstructed view of the Punggol reservoir, the perfect ambience for their all-day brunch menu. Try the Eggs Benedict with Smoked Salmon on Waffles – we hear it’s amazing. For something a tad heartier, the Mac & Cheese is a crowd favourite that won’t disappoint!

Try the famous Sembawang White Bee hoon which has fans raving

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Fans of the legendary Sembawang White Bee Hoon can rejoice – they now have a new outlet, located at Punggol Settlement! If you haven’t tried it before, the appeal of the white bee hoon lies in its flavourful stock, as well as the delicious lime chilli sauce that is served as an accompanying condiment. The eatery also offers various zichar dishes – in particular, the salted egg yolk prawns come highly recommended!

Want to stay around Punggol?

Think that Punggol might be a pretty awesome place to stay, despite its non-mature estate status? Check out this table of average resale flat prices in the past to get an idea of what you’ll be expecting to pay!

Source: HDB.

Want to get a condo instead? Here are some great options in Punggol:

Prive – $957 average psf.

A Treasure Trove – $1,096 average psf.

Waterbay – $1,133 average psf.

Parc Centros – $1,149 average psf.

Watertown – $1,390 average psf.